Investigating Self-Efficacy and Emotional Challenge as Contributors to Willingness to Provide Emotional Support

Abstract

This study investigated negative emotions surrounding emotional support provision and proposed an extension of appraisal-based models of emotional support. The model proposed that emotional challenge and support self-efficacy would be related, and both would contribute to willingness to provide emotional support. Participants (N = 119) reported two situations: one when they offered emotional support and one when they did not. Results indicated that in both situations, support self-efficacy and emotional challenge were not related. However, more self-efficacy and less emotional challenge were related to willingness to provide emotional support. This study provides unique insights into how appraisals of the emotions involved in the support process contribute to providers’ willingness to provide emotional support. Implications for support providers are discussed.

Notes

Note. The emotions listed were coded into categories. The intercoder reliability was .94 for the supportive scenario and .92 for the nonsupportive scenario. Frequencies represent the number of participants reporting the emotion.

*p<.05;

**p<.01.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kelly R. Rossetto

Department of Communication, Boston College.

Pamela J. Lannutti

Department of Communication, La Salle University.

Rachel A. Smith

School of Communication Arts & Sciences, Pennsylvania State University.